Helsinki has enthusiastically extended an invitation to actress Pamela Anderson to explore her Finnish heritage, even offering to assist her in reclaiming her grandfather’s original surname, Hyytiäinen. The campaign has captured the attention of both fans and media, highlighting Anderson’s connection to her Finnish roots.
In a recent interview with Vogue Scandinavia, Anderson spoke about her desire to adopt the name Hyytiäinen, which was her grandfather’s surname before it was altered when he immigrated to Canada in 1908. “Sometimes I don’t want to be Pamela Anderson. I want to be Pamela Hyytiäinen,” she expressed, indicating her eagerness to reconnect with her ancestral heritage.
In response to her comments, Helsinki Partners, a marketing and talent attraction firm operated by the City of Helsinki, launched an innovative ad campaign. The initiative includes billboards positioned near Anderson’s home on Vancouver Island, showcasing a video featuring Finnish actor Janne Hyytiäinen, who presents himself as the “world’s most famous Hyytiäinen.” In the humorous ad, he offers three methods for Anderson to adopt her grandfather’s name: marriage, adoption, or a legal name change, playfully dubbing the effort “Operation Make Pamela a Hyytiäinen.”
The initiative’s aim is to attract Anderson to Helsinki, described by local leaders as the capital of the world’s happiest nation. Soila Lehkonen, the head of brand and public relations for Helsinki Partners, emphasized that the campaign serves as a warm welcome for Anderson, encouraging her to visit and explore her Finnish roots.
While Anderson has not publicly responded to the campaign, she previously mentioned her intention to retain her surname during an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Golden Globes. Nevertheless, Lehkonen expressed hope that Anderson would seize the opportunity to visit Finland, regardless of her decision about changing her name. The campaign fosters a positive and open-hearted invitation for the actress to learn more about the vibrant culture and history of her familial origins.